A Los Angeles man who lost his job during Covid built a multimillion-dollar plant business ...

World News A Los Angeles man who lost his job during Covid built a multimillion-dollar plant business from his apartment Follow us ET Online Oct 24, 2026, 11:16:41 PM IST SHARE THIS NEWS Close Font Size Abc Small Abc Normal Abc Large Close Synopsis After losing his job during the Covid-19 pandemic, Los Angeles resident Brandon Hurst began selling plants from his apartment to make ends meet. What started as a small side hustle grew into a multimillion-dollar business, powered by TikTok Shop livestreams, loyal customers and an unusual auction model. Today, his plant business employs 24 people and processes around 1,000 orders a day Brandon Hurst was fired from his job as an administrative assistant at a real estate office Listen to this article in summarized format Listen Brandon Hurst , a Los Angeles resident, never owned a plant but still managed to turn them into a multimillion-dollar business after losing his job. Yes, you read that right. A pandemic side hustle of selling plants on social media turned into a full-fledged business with his husband and family, reports PEOPLE. Now, he employs 24 people and sells about 5,000 plants each week, with his most expensive going for $200. How losing a job helped Brandon Hurst start his business According to PEOPLE, it all started in 2020 when the world was reeling under Covid-19 pandemic. Brandon Hurst was fired from his job as an administrative assistant at a real estate office. Already living paycheck to paycheck, he was reselling items on Facebook Marketplace when he spotted a woman selling plants she had bought from a local dollar store. He saw it as an opportunity to earn some extra money and decided to try selling plants too. Want a Loan? Get cash against your Mutual Funds in 4 hours Brandon Hurst new greenhouse In 2020, he posted his first listing — a pink plant in a pink pot. “People were messaging me like crazy overnight,” he tells PEOPLE exclusively over Zoom. “Like, ‘Oh, is this available? Can I pick this?’ ” This response helped him turn his side hustle into a family business and the unexpected demand helped transform his small venture into a family business involving his husband, Josh, and his mother. Today, Hurst has expanded the operation beyond his family's apartment, built a large customer base through TikTok and developed a business that generates millions of dollars in annual gross sales. “I just remember feeling so peaceful,” he told PEOPLE. Popular in International 1. Trump's midterm alarm bells are ringing: Five new polls hold clues 2. Can a $4 million attack ad sink Vivek Ramaswamy’s Ohio dream? 3. United States could strike Iran this weekend: Tom Barrack 4. US weighs fresh strikes on Iran; Tehran warns of 'father of all bombs': Reports 5. Tibet earthquake: At least 16 dead, 46 injured as magnitude 7.0 tremors hit China 6. US has for years asked Musk to alter Starlink service in Ukraine, Middle East, sources say 7. 'We may do another Epic Fury': Trump warns Iran of potential strike if deal not reached ALSO READ: Ethan Klein cheating: Who is Tamara Joseph and how did she meet the American-Israeli YouTuber? Here's what Hila Klein said How TikTok helped his business grow In 2021, a customer who worked as a social media manager suggested Brandon Hurst that he should use the name Brandon The Plant Guy across platforms. He began posting TikTok videos with plant-care advice, including tips on growing snake plants and choosing varieties suitable for beginners. Some videos received more than one million views, helping him build an audience. Brandon Hurst's balcony covered in plants When TikTok Shop launched in 2023, Hurst received an early invitation to sell through the platform. He hosted his first livestream on April 18, 2023, expecting to sell about 30 plants. Instead, he sold 250 plants in approximately three hours. His TikTok following has since grown to more than 268,000, according to the report. The business has sold more than 100,000 plants in 2026 alone and processes approximately 1,000 orders daily, according to PEOPLE. Reflecting on its growth, Hurst said, “It's the wildest thing.” ALSO READ: Laura Owens, daughter of Bay Area radio legend Ronn Owens, altered ultrasound and faked pregnancy video in Clayton Echard case; father says "I love my daughter..." From an apartment balcony to a 3,000-square-foot greenhouse At one point, the family sold more than 1,000 plants a week from the apartment, with sales sometimes reaching 2,000. In February 2026, Hurst began renting space at a family-run nursery in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley. The new location includes a 3,000-square-foot greenhouse and an attached house, providing room for inventory, packing and livestream sales. The business has grown from a small family venture into an operation employing 24 people, including relatives, neighbours and former customers. “The life I have today would not have been possible without TikTok Shop, to be honest with you,” he told PEOPLE. Continue Reading Read more news on Brandon Hurst Los Angeles plant business multimillion-dollar business TikTok Shop plant seller Covid-19 job loss online plant sales plant business success story TikTok livestreams small business growth (Catch all the US News , UK News , Canada News , International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. More NEXT READ More than 400,000 protest across France, challenging Macron as Paris clashes erupt How rice husks are helping protect American homes from wildfires, rot and costly repairs as builders turn farm waste into wood siding alternatives Iran remains open to talks with US under Pakistan-brokered deal Assault allegations, weapons cases and domestic violence records: Inside the Oregon school shooter’s family history “Discarded outside like trash”: 4 cats found soaking wet, freezing and covered in fleas in Asbury Park in New Jersey Thousands march in France over schools and living costs as police use tear gas Security forces deploy for Italy protests after clashes When is Marine Corps Marathon 2026? Check date, start time and full list of DC and Arlington road closures Houthis say Saudi strikes kill 11 after missiles intercepted